The construction document phase of the Veterans' Plaza project calls for creating design documents that can be used in the construction of a new Veterans' Plaza to replace the original plaza that is currently in disrepair on the corner of Newport Avenue and Abbott Street.

“KTU+A was higher than Estrada by a significant amount," said OBCDC treasurer Dave Martin about the two firms that submitted requests for proposals (RFPs) to do construction documents for the project.

Martin said the bid differential was $49,587 for Estrada versus $61,973 for KTU+A.

“Our budget was right around $50,000 for the project,” said Martin. "From that standpoint alone, there’s not much to argue with.”

OBCDC board member Brian Pottenger said Estrada has previously done work in Imperial Beach for a similar project. Tthat’s almost exactly what we want to do here,” said Pottenger.

Pottenger said his only question was whether KTU+A’s bid was higher “because they did the (original) design work (on Gateway project) and know it will take that much work to do.”

Pointing out Estrada’s done “half a dozen or more dynamite projects in San Diego,” board president Tom Perrotti said, “I’m confident either company could do this (walkway).”

“Now it’s time to start fundraising,” said OBCDC vice president Stephen Grosch following the 5-2 vote for Estrada.